CSI2* Bonheiden
Belgium

Vinton Karrasch and Coral Reef Follow Me II lead the way in World Cup qualifier

Wednesday, 20 August 2014

Vinton Karrasch with Coral Reef Follow Me II. Photo by Thunderbird Show Park.Fans gathered at Thunderbird Shop Park for Sunday’s $100k CSI***-­‐W Facet Advisors World Cup Qualifier were treated to high flying action from Olympians, Nation’s Cup contenders and some of the fastest riders on the continent. In a field of thirty competitors, seven would advance to the jump off, with California’s Vinton Karrasch putting in the winning round aboard his new mount, Coral Reef Follow Me II.

International Designer, Alan Wade, set a challenging course that tested riders with a tricky triple combination and tall verticals to narrow the field. The second round got underway with a fast ride by 2012 World Cup Champions, Rich Fellers and Flexible. Looking to set the pace, the pair had the speed, but clipped a rail to post 4 faults with a time of 44.55.

Allyssa Hecht and her 11 year-­‐old Holsteiner gelding got caught in the double, but settled in to come home at 53.66. Canada’s Ellicia Edgar was next into the ring, posting eight faults and a time of 49.26. Vinton Karrasch and Coral Reef Follow Me II were next. A new partnership, Karrasch and the 9 year-­‐old Westphalian stallion placed second in Friday’s $33k Maui Jim Grand Prix. Sailing over the first few fences, Follow Me got a good rub on the International Gems fence, drawing a gasp from the crowd, but the rail stayed up and Karrasch galloped across the final fence to big cheers and a time of 45.62.

“I don’t do well when I over strategize,” explained Karrasch. “My plan is always to focus on the doing best that I can do, making every part of the course the best that I can and hopefully my best is good enough.”

A forward gallop throughout from Susan Hutchison on Ziedento was just off the pace at 47.01. “You’ve got to be happy with a double clear,” she said.

Brenda Riddell and Dutch Amouretta delivered a solid round, clear with a time of 51.71 to land in third overall after Tiffany Sullivan and Tristan posted eight faults. “This level is new for my horse and I, so I was just happy to be double clean -­‐ and survive,” Riddell joked.